Improving detection of hidden breast cancers in women with dense breasts using advanced imaging techniques.

Detecting Mammographically-Occult Cancer in Women with Dense Breasts Using Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994068

This study is looking at a new way to help find hidden breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue, using a special imaging technique to improve the accuracy of mammograms and make sure these cancers are detected earlier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10994068 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the detection of mammographically occult (MO) breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue by utilizing a novel imaging technique called Radon Cumulative Distribution Transform (RCDT). Women with dense breasts often face challenges in cancer detection due to the limitations of standard mammography, which can miss cancers. The study aims to develop imaging biomarkers that can identify these hidden cancers using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), a more advanced imaging method. By analyzing asymmetries in mammograms, the researchers hope to improve the accuracy of cancer detection and provide better screening options for women at risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women with dense breast tissue who are undergoing routine breast cancer screening.

Not a fit: Patients with non-dense breast tissue or those who do not undergo breast cancer screening may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancers in women with dense breasts, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may yield significant benefits.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.